An Unforgettable Motorcycle Tour Across Africa that Couldn't Keep The King of Downforce Down...

We had been on the road for a week, embarking on the ultimate adventure motorcycle tour—an epic journey from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Cape Town, South Africa. With 19 riders from around the world, this was a true bucket-list motorcycle expedition, led by the legendary Charley Boorman and supported by a team of rugged, experienced riders—including myself.

Our group was an eclectic mix of adventure seekers, all drawn to the raw beauty of Africa, eager to tackle dusty off-road trails, vast wilderness, and have unforgettable wildlife encounters. Among them was Adrian Newey, the world-renowned Formula One designer known for crafting championship-winning cars for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull Racing. Often referred to as the “King of Downforce”, Adrian’s mastery of aerodynamics was unquestioned—but out here, it was all about mastering the sand on a big BMW adventure bike! 

The Challenge:

Crossing the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans...

On this particular day, we found ourselves in Botswana, facing one of the most challenging segments of our motorcycle journey—crossing the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to reach our lodge in Gweta, a small village on the northern edge. The 95-kilometer ride included a stop at Kubu Island, a breathtaking, otherworldly landscape dotted with ancient baobab trees, rising from the endless white expanse of the pans.

We set off at 8 AM, navigating the hard-packed tracks with ease—until the inevitable happened. The dry season had transformed the route into deep, unforgiving sand. Anyone who has tried riding a 270kg BMW GS Adventure bike through deep sand knows it’s like trying to wrestle an elephant—it demands skill, endurance, and a fair amount of stubbornness.

Boorman and the faster riders had surged ahead toward Kubu Island, leaving me as sweeper, assisting those struggling at the back—including Adrian, who was quickly learning that designing the fastest cars on the planet was quite different from riding a motorcycle through the African bush.

Determination and A Mechanical “Miracle”...

By midday, we had covered just 50 kilometres. Adrian had dropped his bike over 20 times, each time getting back up with unwavering determination. The heat was relentless, dehydration was setting in, and spirits were fading. We stopped for a break, where Adrian, exhausted, “parked” his bike in the middle of the track—on its side.

With cold water from the 4x4 support vehicle, we regrouped and pushed forward. Adrian was still struggling, dropping his bike every 100 meters or so, but refusing any help. Eventually, he admitted he was struggling to reach the rear brake pedal while standing—a common issue many riders have when riding an adventure bike while wearing enduro boots. I had a quick fix: duct-taping a rock onto the pedal to raise it. Seeing my “brilliant” mechanical hack, Adrian joked, “You’re hired! Head of development at Red Bull Racing.”

The Final Push to Gweta Lodge...

As dusk fell, we were just 5 kilometres from the lodge, battling through thick sand on the narrow village backroads. Charley called me from the lodge, sipping a cold drink by the pool, laughing: “Where are you? We’ve been here for hours!”

Adrian was riding in the headlights of the support vehicle, kicking up clouds of sand, doing everything he could to keep momentum. At one point, his bike got completely bogged down. From a nearby hut, a group of excited local children rushed out, pushing the bike free and cheering him on as he powered through the final stretch.

Twenty minutes later, the lights of the lodge came into view. Adrian rolled into the parking lot, drenched in sweat, exhausted but victorious. He threw his arm around me, grinning: “We made it! We actually made it!”

The group erupted in cheers, celebrating Adrian’s grit and determination like an F1 podium moment in the heart of Africa. Boorman strolled over, smirking: “What took you so long? I’ve been here for hours!” Well, Charley, not everyone rides like you…

I met the most determined man that day. He never gave up even when he could have easily done so. I think we sometimes forget that when we really put our minds to something, anything is possible.

Why Choose Motorrad Adventures for Your Adventure Motorcycle Tour?

If you're looking for the ultimate adventure motorcycle tour, you’ve come to the right place! At Motorrad Adventures, we bring years of experience, expert guides, and world-class support to ensure you have an unforgettable off-road motorcycle experience.

Expertise & Experience You Can Trust

Since 2009, we’ve been crafting and leading epic motorcycle expeditions across the globe. Our team has successfully organized tours in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Namibia, and South Africa, helping countless riders tick off their bucket-list motorcycle adventures.

We’ve also had the privilege of working alongside some of the biggest names in adventure motorcycling, including Charley Boorman, Billy Ward, Claudio von Planta, Dylan Wickrama, SA Adventure, Moto Aventures, and Compass Expeditions.

Uncompromising Safety & Support

Your safety is our top priority. Every Motorrad Adventures motorcycle tour includes:

✅ Fully equipped support vehicle & trailer with satellite communication and tracking

✅ Professional lead and sweep riders for guidance and support

✅ On-tour medic for added peace of mind

✅ A dedicated backup crew so you can ride at your own pace

With our experienced team by your side, you can push your limits while knowing you have the best support in the industry.

A Stress-Free, All-Inclusive Adventure

We take care of everything—from planning scenic routes to securing top-quality accommodation and delicious meals. That means you get to focus on what matters most—riding and exploring. Whether you're navigating Namibia’s desert dunes, cruising through the rugged landscapes of South Africa, or crossing breathtaking salt flats, we ensure every moment is an adventure to remember.

So, if you’re ready to experience the motorcycle trip of a lifetime, click the button below and start your next great adventure! ⬇️

LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN